Alabama has rolled through its SEC opponents this season. But now, the Crimson Tide will have a tougher challenge while playing for the conference title.

During Sunday’s teleconference for the SEC Championship Game, Alabama coach Nick Saban previewed his team’s matchup against Georgia, a rematch of last year’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Saban said that the Bulldogs are “one of the most complete teams in the nation.”

“This will be one of the most challenging games we’ve had all year,” Saban said. “This is why guys come to this school — to get to play in games like this.”

Although the Crimson Tide have won all 12 of their games by at least 20 points, Saban isn’t necessarily pleased with everything his team has done. For example, Alabama didn’t get off to the best starts in its last two matchups against The Citadel and Auburn.

“I have not been pleased with the way we’ve played in the first half of the last two games on either side of the ball,” Saban said.

Here is more of what Saban said while previewing the SEC Championshp Game:

  • On quarterback Jalen Hurts: I think he’s shown a lot of class this year, been a great team guy, been very supportive. He has made a lot of progress. We have confidence that he can get the job done if needed to.
  • On offensive coordinator Mike Locksley: I think Mike’s done as good a job as anyone, in terms of adjusting and using the players that we have. The success of our offense is a credit to him. He is worthy of Broyles Award recognition. He’s done a fabulous job for us.
  • On Georgia’s quarterbacks: [Justin Fields] certainly has an outstanding skill set. He is a good runner, but can also make any throw he has to make. He’s very athletic. Jake [Fromm] does a great job of managing the offense, he is very poised, he has confidence in the scheme.
  • On Georgia coach Kirby Smart: I think he’s done a fantastic job. UGA has always had a fantastic program. He’s done well developing and recruiting and getting his guys to play well. We grew up with Kirby, I was there when his children were born. I always like to see those guys do well, it’s never personal when we meet, at least, it’s not for me.
  • On his record against his former assistants: I think all those things are circumstantial. I think Kirby has improved UGA to the point where they are one of the best in the country. The other times, coaches have taken over programs and tried to rebuild, not necessarily an even playing field.